Fairytale of New York’s a winner

Amy Adams plays Giselle, a princess with the power to look for the best in everybody in Christmas cracker Enchanted

Share

THERE are some films that you could only stomach at this time of year.

But tinsel, eggnog and the promise of presents have the power to suspend the disbelief of even the most cynical of movie-goers.

And having seen Enchanted, this is just as well.

A modern fairy tale of New York, Enchanted centres on a princess called Giselle (Amy Adams), who is banished from her fairytale home, and her true love, Prince Edward (James Marsden), by her intended’s wicked stepmother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon).

She finds herself, Crocodile Dundee-style, in modern-day New York. Friendless and penniless with an optimism that can only be a hindrance in the urban jungle she is forced to adapt to, she is rescued by divorce lawyer Robert (Patrick Dempsey).

He lets her stay in his apartment with his daughter Morgan and, as time goes on, it becomes apparent that they are falling in love with each other (despite Giselle believing Edward was her true love).

A pastiche of almost every romantic fairytale going (Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast) the film takes many twists and turns as the couple are kept apart by their respective partners and the wicked queen.

Add to this the many over-the-top musical numbers that pepper the film, as well as talking animals and you have a truly Disney experience.

There has been much praise for the film’s lead, Amy Adams, who embraces the role of fairytale princess with gusto and skill.

And although sugary-sweet, there are moments when Enchanted seems positively subversive.

All in all a terrific family film that will keep all members of the family amused.